Battery-electric powertrains are slowly but surely climbing up the ladder in the automotive industry. Hardly surprising, as cars are used mostly for covering short distances. But a ferry running only on batteries? Most would think it’s madness, but in a landmark achievement for sustainable maritime transport, Australian shipbuilder Incat has launched Hull 096 — the world’s largest battery-electric ship.
Unveiled at Incat’s Hobart shipyard, this 130-meter-long (426 feet) vessel, named China Zorrilla, will soon connect Buenos Aires and Colonia, carrying up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the Río de la Plata entirely on battery power. Commissioned by South American operator Buquebus, Hull 096 marks a global turning point in clean shipping technology.
And the numbers speak for themselves. The vessel is equipped with over 250 tons of batteries and boasts an energy storage system (ESS) with more than 40 megawatt-hours of installed capacity — four times larger than any previous maritime system. Power is delivered to eight electric waterjets, propelling the ferry at high speed with zero emissions.
Originally designed to run on LNG, the ship was reimagined as a fully electric vessel following a bold commitment from Buquebus and Incat. Supporting infrastructure is already being built at both ends of the route, enabling full recharges in around 40 minutes.
Inside, the ship features a 2,300-square-meter duty-free retail deck — the largest shopping space ever installed on a ferry. It’s not just a clean energy statement, but also a floating commercial hub.
Hull 096 also sets a precedent in shipbuilding design. Its lightweight aluminum catamaran hull increases speed and energy efficiency, reducing operating costs while maximizing capacity and performance. The vessel was built in Tasmania, continuing a decades-long partnership between Incat and Buquebus, and solidifying the state’s reputation as a global leader in maritime innovation.
“This is a historic day – not just for Incat, but for the future of maritime transport,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford. “We’ve been building world-leading vessels here in Tasmania for more than four decades, and Hull 096 is the most ambitious, most complex, and most important project we’ve ever delivered. This ship changes the game.”
With sea trials scheduled later this year on the River Derwent, Hull 096 is expected to enter service soon after. Its successful launch not only makes history for Incat but places Australia at the forefront of green shipbuilding and global decarbonization in maritime transport.
